http://FleaB.notlong.com 11 June 2006 This 2 to 3 mm long Flea Beetle causes much damage to Radishes, Joi Choi, Rutabago, and Horseradish in my garden. No garden is without these ubiquitous pests. They particularly like radish leaves. The damage is profound when the plants are very small. Spraying with one of various pesticides on a regular basis is probably the best control. Here is more information about this pest. http://InfoB.notlong.com http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
http://aiwee.notlong.com 6 July 2007 Flea Beetle damage to second planting of Joi Choi. This was my first year of planting Joi Choi. I enjoyed the first few plants so much that I decided upon a second planting. The seeds were planted three days ago in the space made available when the garlic was removed. Today I noticed the ubiquitous flea beetle enjoying the fruits of my labour. There is also some more lettuce planted in the same area. The beetles do not attack the lettuce. The leaves of first planting of Joi Choi were riddled with flea beetle made holes. I decided to use Integrated Pest Management on this second planting, and the plants were sprayed with Malathion, much to my disgust and every inclination. http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
Sounds like the flea beetles have just started to appear in your area. I have found that with some crops (for me, chard in particular) need to be planted at particular times of the year to avoid the pests. Looks like you won't be able to plant your chinese greens once the garlic has been harvested but they are 'safe' before that time. Anne
The flea beetle is always present from my observations. The hotter the day the more they like it. The flea beetle damaged my first crop in early spring, particularly radishes, turnip and joi choi. Most annoying to say the least. http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
I was getting some on my beet greens, when they first came up, then put some fine, short hay around the plot. It seemed to impede their mobility, much like blowdown does in the bush for us humans!
